Gambling Industry Funds Flow into Tasmanian Election Campaign
Tasmania’s updated political donation rules have exposed contributions from the pokies industry to both major parties. The Greens argue that these payments raise questions about policy influence during the election period.
New Register Highlights Donations from Gambling Interests
Early records show that both the Liberal and Labor parties received significant amounts from poker machine operators. The Greens claim the new system exposes how the gambling lobby continues to fund major parties despite public concern. According to them, donations are now traceable in real time thanks to reforms introduced in the last parliamentary term. These records show financial ties between the pokies sector and the parties competing for government.
Greens Call for Stricter Rules on Political Funding
The Greens criticized both parties for accepting money from an industry they describe as harmful. They say this funding continued even as both sides walked away from key reform plans, such as a mandatory pre-commitment system for pokies. The party wants a full ban on political donations from industries with vested interests. This includes gambling, property development, alcohol, and tobacco. The Greens have pledged to introduce legislation in the next term to prevent such donations from influencing future election campaigns.